Tag Archives: identity

The past couple of decades, much Christian teaching has revolved around who believers are in Christ and in discovering our gifts. The logic is that we will be more spiritually fruitful if we understand who we are in Christ and how we can serve in ways that correspond to our spiritual gift(s). However, while the Scripture does state that “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit” (I John 4:13, ESV), it also declares that Christ in us is our hope of glory (see Colossians 1:27). Where we place the emphasis is subtle but significant. Yes, as believers, we abide in Jesus Christ, and we are positioned in Him for all eternity (according to Ephesians 2:6, seated with Him in heavenly places). We also have at our disposal a wide variety of spiritual gifts. However, what is more astounding is that HE, the Savior of the world, abides in us (mere earthlings, and sinful ones at that!).

Since Christ in me is my hope of glory, He clearly lives in me. As I serve those around me, I can confidently ask the Holy Spirit to be Himself and to impact those I encounter with HIS Presence (not mine). As John the Baptist commented, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV). The only way that I can impact people in a Kingdom sense is by means of the Spirit of God. Surely I can trust Him to express through me whatever gifts He deems necessary and useful in any given circumstance! My desire is that people recognize Jesus Christ’s Presence in me, not ME talking about Jesus.

After all, God intends for us to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Paul clarifies this principle even further in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (ESV). We need to be people who carry the image of God, as opposed to people who impress others with our righteousness or religion. His image is, in fact, His DNA — Christ IN us, the hope of glory (Colossians 2:27). In fact, in 2 Corinthians 3:18, we read “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit” (AMPC). The idea is that we are literally transformed; our identity is changed because of Christ IN us.

Therefore, when we face any type of challenge, we do not need to worry about who we are (although we are children of the King of all the universe); instead, we can remind ourselves Who He is in us. The Lord of Heaven and Earth dwells in us by His Spirit, and He longs to touch the hearts of people around us with His life and goodness. As I heard Jack Hayford eloquently state in a recent interview, “Jesus wants to be real to you so He can reveal Himself to others through you.” Jesus Christ lives in us and will make Himself known, both to us and to others around us.

DNA of the Living God, be replicated in me — rapidly! I need and desire Your transforming power!